Planning and Security

It is a good ideal to consider security and public safety at an early stage in the design of new developments so that appropriate measures can be incorporated as an integral part of the design. For example careless positioning of outbuildings could provide access to the upper floor of a property, or the creation of a rear access path in a housing development could provide a convenient escape route for burglars.

On a different level, crime and disorder is an important consideration when applications for new public houses or nightclubs are determined. Where it is felt that a new development would be likely to lead to an increase in crime and disorder planning permission can be refused. We work closely with Sussex Police on planning out crime and their Crime Prevention Design Adviser can be contacted on 01444 445893. Alternatively there is a dedicated “Secured by Design” website at www.securedbydesign.com/.

Shopfronts and shutters

While security shutters can provide a high level of security, solid shutters have the effect of giving a street a hostile and uninviting appearance which can discourage pedestrians whose presence could otherwise deter troublemakers. Also if a burglar were to gain entry to a property they would be able to work unobserved behind the shutters.

Planning permission will be required for the installation of external shutters, and if the property is listed separate listed building consent will be required for any shutters internal or external. Shutters should be of an open grille design with the shutter box and guides integrated into the shopfront. Policy DG15 in the Hastings Local Plan 2004 will be applied when planning permission is applied for:

POLICY DG15 - Security Shutters

Planning permission for security shutters will only be granted where:

This does not detract from the vitality of the streetscene;

Internal or other security measures are not possible;

The shutters are either of an open lattice type or of a kind which allows an equivalent degree of visibility of the shop interior to be maintained, or are of a design appropriate to the historic character of the street or the individual property; and

The shutters are painted or otherwise coloured.

Bars and clubs

There is a separate section of this site which gives detailed advice on opening a café, bar or restaurant. The impact of a development on crime and disorder will be taken into account when planning applications are considered and the planning authority may wish to restrict opening hours to avoid conflict with other uses.

Policies DG17 and DG18 will be applied:

POLICY DG17 – Licensed Premises

The following factors will be taken into account when determining planning applications for licensed premises:

The precise nature of the use proposed (which should be specified in the planning application) including opening hours; and

The views of the Police, particularly with regard to the difficulty of policing such establishments outside the existing locations in the town centre. New uses which would be out of character with the area or would contribute to an undesirable over-concentration of A3 uses in the town centre, district or local centres, will not be permitted if the use is dependent on the sale of alcohol – which is likely to result in alcohol-related disorder, late night disturbances or the congregation of large numbers of people on the street.

The proposal would not cause harm to living conditions as a result of, for example, noise or smell;

The proposal would not, on its own, or cumulatively with other such uses in the area, be likely to result in problems of disturbance or public disorder;

Suitable off-street parking can be provided, or there is sufficient on-street parking; and

It would not cause inconvenience or danger on the public highway as a result of the additional stopping and manoeuvring of vehicles.

Housing and other development

Security is an important consideration in the design of new housing both in terms of the layout, and the details of the properties themselves. The same considerations are relevant to extensions to existing properties.

The following points are worth considering:

Rear access paths can provide useful access for residents but they can also provide an escape route for burglars.

Dense planting can be attractive but it can also provide hiding places for intruders.

With some forms of double-glazing with beading on the outside, the beading can be popped out and the glass removed to enable burglars to gain access. If you are installing double-glazing you should look out for British Standard 7950.

The cross rails on close boarded fencing can enable burglars to easily climb over the fence, so for added security they should be positioned on the inside of the garden. Trellis on top of a fence or wall can provide added security, but remember if the overall height will be over 2m (or 1m next to a highway) you will need planning permission.

Where windows can be easily reached, perhaps by climbing on an extension or out building, they should be provided with suitable locks.

This list is not exhaustive and Sussex Police can provide more detailed advice on 01444 445893 or visit www.securedbydesign.com